Northwest Stadium’s hospitality team shines at 125th Army Navy Game

At the 125th Army Navy game, America’s Game is more than four quarters of football played on the gridiron. It is a celebration of all the men, women, and families who choose to serve. Although one team scored the win on the field, Levy Restaurants hospitality team at Northwest Stadium earned a win with all the guests who cheered for both the Corps of Cadets and Midshipmen.

Football games have become more than just watching an unexpected short run turn into a scoring play. The guests want a flavorful and memorable experience from the moment they scan their ticket.

Across the nation, Levy Restaurants provides the delectable and creative food and beverages that guests talk about as much as the hail mary play to win the game. From the concession stands to the luxury suites, the culinary teams offer stadium food favorites, local delicacies, and some unique game day items.

During the 125th Army Navy game at Northwest Stadium, the Levy Restaurants hospitality team, lead by Executive Chef Pernell Morton, wanted to make the event special for all the guests. Whether it was the luxury suites who dined on prime rib to the Cadets who devoured hot dogs by the dozen, there was something for everyone.

Prior to the game, I had the opportunity to chat with Chef Morton regarding his approach to this epic undertaking. In his fourth year as chef for the stadium, he said that his team is used to the pressure of serving these large crowds. But, the Army Navy game is different, not only for the guests in attendance, but also for the additional time.

While the television game broadcast might have started at 3 p.m., the Corp of Cadets and Midshipmen marched onto the field several hours early. Guests entered the stadium at 11 a.m. and the hospitality team needed to be prepared with extra food. Chef Morton prepared this team well and handled the whole event with precision.

In addition to the core menu items available throughout the stadium, Chef Morton and his culinary staff wanted to have a specialty item just for the Army Navy game. This year, it was the “Battle of the Dogs.” While the Washington Commanders have dueling chicken sandwiches during their home games, the hospitality team thought that the hot dogs were a way to highlight the Army and Navy teams.

The Army Hot Dog was an all-beef hot dog topped with chili, cheese and cilantro. The Navy Hot Dog was a Chesapeake sausage topped with chili, cheese, and jalapenos. The idea was to make the two options similar yet different.

Doing our own personal taste test, both options were quite tasty. The Navy Hot Dog’s Chesapeake sausage, which has Old Bay Seasoning as a spice, was a nice nod to the Annapolis based service academy. It is a good example how Levy Restaurants hospitality team includes local food and flavors on its menu.

The Army Hot Dog was big, juicy, and beefy. It had everything that a classic hot dog should be. Plus, that touch of herb topping added a little brightness to balance the hearty flavors.

Since it was a food battle, the Northwest Stadium hospitality team tracked all the hot dog sales. Although Army did not pull out a win on the field, Army won the hot dog battle handily.

The Battle of the Dogs was just one example of the specialty items that the culinary team wanted to highlight for this game. As Chef Morton explained, the menu was crafted not only to satisfy all those service men and women but also to stand up to the cold weather.

Chef Morton, shared “we looked at a lot of menu items that would keep guests warm during the game. Soups, tenders, potatoes, lots of sandwiches are popular.”

Speaking of soup, Chef highlighted a Maryland crab soup. He believed that this food item was a great option for the cold weather and highlighted great local ingredients. As he said, “the indigenous ingredients and spices are a great choice for the cold weather.”

While all the guests ate their full of all the delicious food and beverage options, there can be some food that goes unused. Levy Restaurants chooses to donate to local organizations who can benefit from those extra portions.

Chef Morton commented, “it is very important because we have an opportunity to give back. Local communities are important to all that we do and we appreciate the opportunity to give back to others.”

In many ways, that commitment to service is similar to the men, women, and families who watched joined in supporting the Corps of Cadets and Midshipmen during the 125th Army Navy Game. When an impact can be felt beyond the four quarters of a game, it shows the real meaning of hospitality.

While the 125th Army Navy game has come and gone, the Levy Restaurants hospitality team at Northwest Stadium is preparing for the Washington Commanders upcoming games. According to Chef Morton, guests will have some delicious battle of the chicken sandwiches to try for the next two games. Everyone better come hungry.